Eastern Africa Editors Society Elects New Leadership for Press Freedom, Media Sustainability

Summary:

• Deodatus Balile from Tanzania has been elected as President of the Eastern Africa Editors Society (EAES), with Fitihawok Yewondwossn from Ethiopia as Vice President. They aim to uphold press freedom and strengthen media sustainability across the region, fostering collaboration with various stakeholders.

The Eastern Africa Editors Society (EAES) has elected Deodatus Balile, a distinguished editor from Tanzania, as its President for the 2024-2025 term. Fitihawok Yewondwossn from the Editors Guild of Ethiopia has been chosen as Vice President.

The elections were held during the EAES Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Africa Media Convention III. In his inaugural speech, President Balile emphasized the importance of access to information as a fundamental right. He pledged to ensure that citizens across Eastern Africa and beyond can exercise this right through strong and sustainable media organizations.

Vice President Fitihawok Yewondwossn, a key figure in the Editors Guild of Ethiopia, is recognized for her dedication to press freedom and quality journalism. Her election highlights EAES’s commitment to gender balance and diversity in leadership.

Balile called for collaboration with governments, political parties, civil societies, and the international community to support media sustainability. He advocated for constructive engagement rather than antagonism.

The AGM brought together editors from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia to address the challenges facing journalists in the region, such as declining revenues, regulatory obstacles, and the need for innovation in journalism.

Outgoing President Daniel Kalinaki of the Uganda Editors Guild was lauded for his leadership and dedication to fostering democratic societies in Eastern Africa.

With this new leadership, EAES reaffirms its commitment to promoting access to information, supporting journalists, and fostering an environment conducive to democratic and public-interest journalism.